Get your home ready for cold just around the corner

By Leah Rainwater

With mild weather sticking around a little while longer, now is the chance to prepare your home for winter’s coming chill.

AAA has recommendations for homeowners to get ready for winter weather before it hits.

“Now is the time that you really want to make sure your home is ready for colder weather,” said Nick Chabarria, AAA Missouri spokesperson. “You know, before we see temperatures start to consistently drop off below freezing.”

Charbarria said raking leaves and getting rid of other lawn debris will help keep walkways clear, making it easier when ice and snow come.

Another big thing Chabarria advises is taking care of exterior hoses and faucets.

“You can shut the water off and also seal it up with some kind of insulation on the outside to prevent pipes from freezing,” he said. “That’s one of the major issues we see from an insurance standpoint, come spring, when people go to turn on their outside hoses.”

If not shut off or sealed properly, a frozen or cracked pipe during the winter can cause leaks in basements during the springtime.

Chabarria warned homeowners to also watch out for trees and the roof of their house.

“When we start to get ice storms that Missouri is known for, any hanging limbs or damaged limbs, they could possibly become heavy with the weight of the ice freeze and fall on your roof or damage the side of your home,” he said.

Additionally, making sure your furnace is checked and up to date will help prepare for temperature drops on the way.